- Teens in Utah should apply now for summer jobs, as hiring has started.
- Food service, retail, and manual labor are high-paying options, offering valuable skills.
- Networking and resources from Workforce Services and schools can also aid in job search success.
SALT LAKE CITY — Summer is right around the corner, and for teenagers, that means the window for securing a prime summer job is officially open.
Utah Department of Workforce Services specialist Troy Lamb says teens that are looking for a summer job need to start applying now because most employers have already started hiring.
Their website has over 25,000 job listings.
But what are the best summer jobs for teenagers?
Here's what the numbers say
Last summer, Forbes identified food service manager, carpenter, and retail supervisor as the three highest-paying summer jobs for teens nationally, each offering an average hourly rate of over $24.
According to data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services in 2023, the food service industry was one of the most popular sectors for teens in Utah, employing nearly 27,000 teenagers.
The data additionally indicated that 16- to 17-year-olds earned an average wage of $13 per hour, while 18- to 19-year-olds earned $15 per hour.
Most In-N-Out Burger locations in Utah offer starting wages of $17.50 per hour, nearly 2.5 times the state's minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
However, not all teenagers are employed at In-N-Out.
Some work as lifeguards, nannies, or in retail, construction, or landscaping, which can all prove to be quite lucrative in their own right.
Salt Lake County Library
The Salt Lake County Library Teen Summer Internship program is a great opportunity for teenagers.
Although applications closed in late March, it remains an excellent opportunity to consider for next summer.
The internship is offered at public libraries from Draper to West Valley City.
Library PR coordinator Marissa Hodges explains that interns assist during the busy summer season by aiding in programs for all ages, preparing activities, crafting book displays, and shelving or processing books.
Interns collaborate with staff throughout the summer, ensuring programs run smoothly and providing a welcoming experience for patrons.
Additionally, they participate in the Summer Reading Program and may support larger system-wide events such as O.W.L. Camp and the Summer Reading Kickoff.
"Prior experience isn't required. Just a willingness to learn and help wherever needed," Hodges said.
Manual labor
Asher Papa, 17, of St. George, earned $18 an hour last summer cleaning construction sites.
He spent his earnings like any other teenager would — buying new tires for his truck and frequently eating out at fast-food restaurants.
The pay was great, but the work was limited — there were only so many job sites ready for a final sweep.
There was one perk, though.
"I liked that job because I worked with my buddy, so it was like we were just hanging out together," he said.
Beyond the paycheck, manual labor provides direct, hands-on experience that equips teenagers with practical skills they will carry into adulthood.
The importance of networking
In an interview with KSL NewsRadio last spring, Lamb, a state workforce development specialist, said that many teens start their own businesses, while others may take the more traditional route.
Either way, "networking is always gonna be your best bet," Lamb said.
He shared that 80% of jobs or opportunities are found through people you know.
Outside of networking, the Utah Department of Workforce Services has an abundance of resources, both online and in-person, that Lamb encourages adolescents to take advantage of.
The department has about 30 offices throughout the state from Logan to St. George that offer one-on-one coaching and counseling in just about anything employment related.
On-campus career hubs
Fortunately, nowadays, most high schools in Utah have career centers or offices, equipped to guide students through both college applications and career planning.
A lot of times, however, these resources are primarily focused on long-term career goals and aspirations, rather than immediate employment.
The Canyons Innovation Center opening in August 2027 will do both, helping students secure immediate employment through local partnerships and obtaining the industry-standard credentials in their chosen field.
With the support of the Department of Workforce Services and school resources, students can easily find a job this summer.
